#043: From Mobile to Massive: The Evolution of Sports Viewing Technology

On September 14th, The Sphere hosted its first-ever sporting event, the annual Riyadh Season Noche UFC.

Last weekend, I found myself appreciating how easily I could watch the Minnesota Vikings vs. San Francisco 49ers game on my mobile phone during halftime of my daughter Mila’s club soccer match. There I was, sitting in my lawn chair on the sidelines of a school soccer field, watching my Vikings take it to the 49ers.

It was glorious.

For the past decade, sports technology companies have been focused on making our viewing experiences smaller and more portable—just like the example above. The ability to stream your favorite teams directly to the palm of your hand has been a monumental leap forward, allowing fans to watch sports anywhere, anytime.

It’s the perfect blend of accessibility and convenience, and it’s changed how we consume sports.

A Turning Point: Bigger, More Immersive Experiences

But as incredible as this portable technology is, we’re now at a turning point. New technology is starting to go in the opposite direction—bigger and more immersive than ever before.

The rise of tech-first live event brands like The Sphere in Las Vegas and Cosm, are redefining the live sports experience. These brands are making waves with massive, immersive environments that pull you deeper into the game in ways no home setup can replicate.

Just two weeks ago, Cosm had a viral moment when fan videos of the Michigan vs. Texas football game, displayed on Cosm’s enormous screen in Dallas, took over social media.

It was clear: this isn’t just another big screen—it’s an entirely new way to experience live sports.

The Sphere: NOT JUST FOR MUSIC CONCERTS

On September 14th, The Sphere hosted its first-ever sporting event, the annual Riyadh Season Noche UFC. The images and videos from that event showed a stunning 360-degree immersion that made you feel like you were part of the action, not just a spectator. It’s the type of experience that simply can’t be recreated at home, no matter how big your screen is.

In an era where live sports viewing has become more accessible than ever, with immersive stats and instant replays available on your home feed, more people are opting to stay in.

After all, what’s the difference between a big screen at a bar and a high-end home setup?

Large-screen TVs are more affordable than ever, and streaming has made it simple to never miss a moment. But that’s precisely why innovations like The Sphere and Cosm are so exciting—they’re going against the playbook.

Bigger Is Better: Redefining Live Sports

They’re not just about making sports more accessible; they’re about making them larger than life. These immersive experiences don’t just show you the game—they make you feel like you’re part of the event itself, something that even the best home entertainment system can’t match.

As sports technology continues to evolve, brands are pushing the boundaries of what live sports can be. They’re proving that even as our screens get smaller and more portable, there’s still room—and a growing demand—for experiences that go big, bold, and beyond what’s possible in your living room.

What’s Next for Sports Tech?

We are entering a new era of sports tech where the live experience becomes more valuable than ever. The Sphere and Cosm are showing us that sometimes, bigger is better, and when it comes to sports, being part of something larger than yourself—physically and emotionally—is something that can’t be replaced.

The future of sports isn’t just portable; it’s immersive, and it’s about to get a whole lot bigger.